Modeling quasi-static and high strain rate deformation and failure behavior of a (+/- 45) symmetric E-glass/polyester composite under compressive loading

Quasi-static (1 x 10 (3)-1 x 10 (2) s (1)) and high strain rate (similar to 1000 s (1)) compressive mechanical response and fracture/failure of a(+/- 45) symmetric E-glass/polyester composite along three perpen dicular directions were determined experimentally and numerically. A numerical model in LS-DYNA 971 using material model MAT_162 was developed to investigate the compression deformation and fracture of the composite at quasi-static and high strain rates. The compressive stress-strain behaviors of the composite along three directions were found strain rate sensitive. The modulus and maximum stress of the composite increased with increasing strain rate, while the strain rate sensitivity in in-plane direction was higher than that in through-thickness direction. The damage progression determined by high speed camera in the specimens well agreed with that of numerical model. The numerical model successfully predicted the damage initiation and progression as well as the failure modes of the composite. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.